Government Schemes and Programmes for Livestock Development and Dairy Sector

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying implements targeted central schemes to boost animal productivity, genetic quality, disease surveillance, and dairy processing infrastructure across India.

Flagship Livestock and Dairy Schemes

Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

Launched in December 2014, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission focuses on the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds and genetic upgradation of the bovine population.

• Advanced Reproductive Technologies: Promotes Artificial Insemination (AI) through Nationwide AI Programmes (NAIP), Sex-Sorted Semen production, and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) / Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT).
• Gokul Grams: Funds the setup of integrated indigenous cattle centers in native breeding tracts for genetic conservation and disease-free high-genetic germplasm.
• National Gopal Ratna Awards: Bestowed annually to outstanding dairy farmers, AI technicians, and dairy cooperatives.
• E-Pashuhaat Portal: Acts as a centralized digital marketplace connecting farmers with breeders for certified disease-free bovine germplasm (semen, embryos, and live animals).

National Livestock Mission (NLM)

Launched in 2014–15 and realigned in 2021–22, NLM targets non-bovine livestock including sheep, goat, poultry, piggery, camels, horses, and donkeys.

• Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry: Provides a 50% capital subsidy (up to ₹50 lakh) to individuals, FPOs, SHGs, and Section 8 companies to establish parent breeding farms and hatchery units.
• Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development: Offers financial assistance for quality fodder seed production, silage-making units, and fodder block creation.
• Sub-Mission on Research and Development, Extension, and Livestock Insurance: Supports technology dissemination, institutional studies, and risk-management coverage for livestock owners.

Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

LHDCP provides comprehensive prophylactic vaccination and disease control for livestock across states.

• National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP): Fully central-funded component to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and control Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig populations.
• Veterinary Infrastructure and Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs): Funds operationalization of doorstep veterinary service vans equipped with diagnostic facilities.
• Pashu Aadhaar (INAPH): Unique 12-digit barcoded ear-tagging mechanism deployed to monitor animal pedigree, vaccination history, and productivity metrics.

National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

Aimed at strengthening the organized dairy supply chain, building bulk milk coolers, and enhancing village-level milk testing infrastructure.

• Component A: Focuses on creating and modernizing milk testing laboratories and village-level cold chains (Bulk Milk Coolers and Automatic Milk Collection Units).
• Component B (External Assistance): Funded with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) across selected states to upgrade milk processing facilities and link unorganized milk producers to organized dairy unions.

Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)

Set up under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with a total outlay of ₹29,110.25 crore to incentivize private capital in livestock processing.

• Eligible Entities: Individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSMEs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Section 8 companies.
• Focus Areas: Dairy processing and product diversification, meat processing, animal feed plants, breed multiplication farms, and veterinary vaccine units.
• Financial Terms: Provides an interest subvention of 3% for up to 8 years on commercial bank loans, along with credit guarantee coverage via NABARD and CGTMSE.

Comparative Scheme Matrix

Key Facts and Data

• India ranks first globally in milk production, contributing approximately 24% to global output.
• Over 53% of the total milk production in India comes from indigenous and non-descript buffaloes, followed by crossbred and indigenous cows.
• Animal Husbandry and Dairying is a state subject under Entry 15 of the State List (List II) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility was extended to animal husbandry and dairy farmers in 2019 to fulfill working capital requirements up to ₹2 lakh at a concessional interest rate.
• The Livestock Census is conducted every 5 years by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, with the first census conducted in 1919–20.
• High Genetic Merit (HGM) bull production is monitored through the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH) database developed by NDDB.